As for the Rockets becoming a championship contender anytime soon, well … keep hope alive.

I know some of you are going to talk about how Howard changes the Lakers defensively, but don’t forget the great defense the Rockets will get from Omer Asik. He’s just like Howard. I mean, aside from the jumping ability, quickness and hands, they are virtually the same player.

I know Asik played only 14 minutes a game, but according to the Rockets metrics, a set of formulas you aren’t smart enough to understand, it was among the best 14 minutes a game in NBA history.

When they signed him (after they ignored him in the draft a few years earlier) they took to an online campaign to show you how good he was on defense. Brilliant move, I tell ya. It convinced me.

They posted videos on the team’s website to show you how he was so effective at protecting the rim, because if you have a big man who can do that, you can win championships in this league.

Here is one of them:

Oh, wait … my bad. Sorry, I’m in London and the Internet isn’t the same here. I don’t think that’s the right link.

Forget that. The point is who wants Howard, the most intimidating inside defensive force in the NBA, when you can have Asik instead?

Oh, right, the Rockets. (And every other team in the NBA.)

Jokes aside, the Rockets have still had an OK offseason, relatively speaking.

They got a point guard who isn’t as good as the one they had, or his backup for that matter, but they got a big man who is as good as any they could find walking the streets.

The Rockets tried and failed to get Howard, but what’s that saying, it’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?

In Daryl Morey’s case, it’s more like asking the prettiest girl in the joint to dance, getting laughed at and tossed out of the club by bouncers. But at least he didn’t go home alone.

He picked up Asik working the parking lot.

And there is no need to be upset about the Lakers getting what they want. Haven’t they always?

It just gives you another reason to hate them. As if you needed any more.